Obtain the Latest Updates for Your Computer

Periodically, Microsoft and Apple issue system patches to correct security vulnerabilities found in the operating system. To protect your computer from outside hackers, you must obtain these patches and install them on your computer. 

On Microsoft Windows computers, the easiest way to install the patches is to run Windows Update, either automatically or manually, as described below. Instructions for updating Macinstosh software manually or automatically is also described below.

Setting Up Automatic Windows Updates:

Windows Vista

1. Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.

2. Click on System and Maintenance.

3. Under the Windows Update heading, click on Turn automatic updating on or off.

System and Maintenance Window

4. In the Choose how Windows can install updates window, perform the following:

Choose how Windwows can install updates window

a) Make sure Install updates automatically (recommended) is selected.

b) Under Recommended updates, make sure Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates is selected.

c) Under Update service, make sure Use Microsoft Update is selected.

d) Click on OK. Then close the System and Maintenance Control Panel window.

Windows XP

1. Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.

2. Look at the Control Panel box on the upper left portion of the screen. If it contains a Switch to Classic View link, as shown below, click on this link. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

3. Double-click on the System icon.

4. In the System Properties window, click on the Automatic Updates tab.

5. Make sure Automatic (recommended) is selected. You can accept the default schedule of every day at 3:00 a.m. 

6. Click on OK.

Windows will now automatically download updates and notify you when they are ready to be installed.

Performing Manual Windows Updates:

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click on the Tools menu and select Windows Update.

3. Click on Scan For Updates.

4. Once the scan is 100% complete, check the number that appears next to Critical Updates and Service Packs near the upper left portion of the screen. (You need only to install these critical patches.) If 0 (zero) appears, your computer already has all the necessary patches, so you don't need to continue with this process. If 0 (zero) does not appear, click on Review and Install Updates.

5. Click on Install Now. Depending on the number of patches your computer needs, this process may take a long time.

6. Once the installation is complete, follow the prompts to restart your computer.

7. After restarting your computer, repeat this entire procedure starting at step 1 to continue downloading Windows patches. Keep repeating this procedure until all Critical Updates have been installed. This is indicated when a 0 (zero) appears next to Critical Updates and Service Packs in the upper left portion of the screen.

If you need assistance or have questions about this process, please contact the Help Desk at 215-204-8000.

Setting Up Automatic Macintosh Updates:

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.

2. In the System section of the System Preferences window, click on Software Update.

3. Click on Check for updates and select Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.

4. To download important updates without being prompted, click on Download important updates in the background.

Your computer will now automatically download updates and notify you when they are ready to be installed.

Note: When you install a software update, your system will automatically check for updates again. This is because some updates require that previous updates have already been installed.

Performing Manual Macintosh Updates:

1. From the Apple menu, click on Software Update. The Software Update window will then display a list of available updates. By default, all items are selected. To deselect an item, click on the checkbox to remove the check mark.

2. Click on Install.

3. Type your administrator name and password. This is the name and password you selected when first setting up your computer.

Note: When you install a software update, your system will automatically check for updates again. This is because some updates require that previous updates have already been installed.

 

 

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